TTC unveils 5 new express bus routes coming in March

"The better way" is adding five new express bus routes across the city of Toronto in order to make life easier for those who rely on public transportation.

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In anews release, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) said the new transit options approved by the board at a meeting last Thursday"are expected to attract approximately 400,000 new customers in 2016 and cost $3.4-million annually [in net costs]."

The routes include the 185 Don Mills Rocket, the 199 Finch Rocket, the 188 Kipling South Rocket, the 24E Victoria Park Express and the 186 Wilson Rocket.

"The TTC is responding to our customers' needs and continues to add new and enhanced services across the city," said TTC chair Josh Colle.

"The five new and enhanced express routes starting in March will provide faster, directand more reliable bus service to better connect our customers to their schools and jobs."

The implementation of these routes ispart of a $95-million investment made by Toronto city council last year aimed at boosting service for commuters who rely on the TTC to get around the city.

Express service routes

Here are the routes, beginning in March:

185 Don Mills Rocket

Express service in the Don Mills Rd./Overlea Blvd./Pape Ave. corridor, between Pape Station and Steeles Ave. E. This service will operate during the daytime and early evening, Monday to Friday, and during the daytime on Saturday, Sunday and holidays.

199 Finch Rocket

New and enhanced express service on the 199 Finch Rocket.

The 199A will still provide express service between Scarborough Centre Station and Finch Station.

The 199B is a new branch providing express service between Scarborough Centre Station and York University via Finch Station, during the daytime and early evening, Monday to Friday.

The 199C is a new branch, providing express service between Finch Station and Morningside Heights during the morning and afternoon peak periods, Monday to Friday.

188 Kipling South Rocket

Express service will be introduced on Kipling Avenuebetween Kipling Station and the Humber College campus on Lake Shore BoulevardW., during the daytime from Monday to Friday, when demand is greatest at the college.

24E Victoria Park Express

Express service will be introduced on Victoria Park Avenebetween Victoria Park Station and Steeles AvenueEast, operating between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.

186 Wilson Rocket

Express service will be introduced in the Wilson Avenuecorridor between York Mills Station and the north campus of Humber College. This new route will replace the existing 96E Wilson Express branch, and will operate during the daytime Monday to Friday, when demand is greatest at the college.